Flash (Alert)

Abstract

There is a potential for data corruption with IBM Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) FastBack when a partial record of a snapshot is erroneously created in the FastBack Server database. If this occurs, metadata will be lost for a specific backup chain (specific backups of a single volume). The conditions that trigger this problem cannot be predicted. A fix is available.

Content

Data corruption can occur when a partial record of a snapshot is erroneously created in the FastBack Server database (called history.txt). As a result, the metadata of the backup is lost, and the customer is unable to restore from the affected backup chain because it is not considered a valid record by FastBack server. Other backup chains for other volumes remain intact. APAR IC81787 was opened to address this issue. Affected Products: Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack versions 5.5.x and 6.1.0 - 6.1.6.

How to Determine Whether Your Environment is Affected:

Step 1. If you experience a consistent snapshot failure on a backup chain with error message FBSS7017E, you are a likely candidate to have been affected by this problem. Check your FastBack Server logs for the following error messages:

W8.FSI : REP_FSI_S_OpenFileInRepository: File [\JOBXXXXX\MBLK0003.CTL] could not be accessed for reading.